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AL4

AL4 (PSA — Peugeot and Citroën) gearbox: faults and reliability

PSA-Renault AL4 / DP0 (caja automática de 4 velocidades) version

With caution

It is an old design (late 1990s) that is no longer in production; we have not found specific documentation of faults unique to the AL4, but given its age and the general pattern of any automatic gearbox with infrequent oil maintenance, you should check the service history before buying.[1][2]

Years
since 1998
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
2
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
5
in our database

8 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

The designation used by Peugeot and Citroën for this 4-speed automatic gearbox, introduced in 1998 to replace the ZF 4HP20. PSA sold it generically as "BVA" in its compact and mid-size range (206, 207, C3, C4, Xsara Picasso, among others).[3][4]

Engine codes of this version: AL4.

Faults of the AL4 gearbox

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionDegraded oil: harsh shifts, slipping and overheatingYes: as with any automatic gearbox, if the AL4/DP0 oil degrades or drops in level, harsh shifts, slipping and overheating appear. We have not found a specific change interval from PSA or Renault, but several sources recommend checking it even if the manufacturer does not list it as necessary.
  2. 2Low severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionJolt or sharp thud when engaging a gear from a standstillIt is a symptom described in general terms for automatic gearboxes with degraded oil: a jolt or a sharper thud than normal when moving from park or neutral into gear, especially when cold. We have not found sources confirming whether the AL4/DP0 suffers from it more than other gearboxes of its era.

Cars fitted with the AL4 gearbox

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Citroën

Peugeot

Frequently asked questions

Is the AL4 gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It is an old design (late 1990s) that is no longer in production; we have not found specific documentation of faults unique to the AL4, but given its age and the general pattern of any automatic gearbox with infrequent oil maintenance, you should check the service history before buying.[1][2]

What faults does the AL4 gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: degraded oil: harsh shifts, slipping and overheating (high severity) and jolt or sharp thud when engaging a gear from a standstill (low severity).

Which cars use the AL4 gearbox?

Peugeot 206 (1998–2010), Peugeot 207 (2006–2014), Citroën C3 I (2002–2009), Citroën C4 I (2004–2010) and Citroën Xsara Picasso (1999–2010).[4][5][6][7][8]

Are you buying a car with the AL4 gearbox?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. El aceite de la caja de cambios automática que el fabricante no cambia: evita una avería de 3.000 eurosMotor16 · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Síntomas de falta de aceite en una caja de cambios automáticaAutopista.es · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Peugeot 406Wikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Citroën C4Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Peugeot 206Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Peugeot 207Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Citroën C3Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Citroën Xsara PicassoWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French